Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) has a history of use in traditional folk medicine, particularly in Europe and Asia, where its latex and other parts were sometimes applied externally to treat various skin conditions, including ulcerations, warts, and ringworm. The rationale for its use was likely due to the plant's caustic, irritant sap, which was thought to help remove unhealthy tissue and promote healing. However, the sap of caper spurge contains potent diterpene esters, which are highly irritating and can cause severe inflammation, blistering, and even tissue damage if applied to the skin. There are no modern clinical studies or robust scientific evaluations validating its safety or efficacy for ulcerations or other external wounds. In fact, medical literature primarily warns against using Euphorbia species externally due to their toxic and irritant properties. Thus, while there is some traditional precedent for its use on ulcerations, the evidence supporting this practice is extremely weak, and contemporary sources generally discourage its use for this purpose due to the risk of harm.

More about Caper spurge
More about Ulcerations (external)

Other ingredients used for Ulcerations (external)

Other health conditions supported by Caper spurge

Products containing Caper spurge